Beloved Co-Owner Of Bees Knees Bistro In Wallingford Dies At 34, Mourned By Community

WALLINGFORD, CT — The Wallingford community and beyond are mourning the death of Jena Anne Schlosser, the beloved co-owner of The Bees Knees Bistro in the center of Wallingford.

Schlosser died Monday, May 11, at the age of 34.

She attended Holy Trinity School in Wallingford and was a 2009 graduate of Lyman Hall High School, where she participated in the culinary program, according to her obituary.

“Jena’s love of culinary arts began as a little girl flipping the best chocolate chip pancakes and waffles,” the obituary reads. “The minute she turned 16, she began her dream job at Half Moon Cafe, where her passion grew deeper and the foodie in her never stopped.”

During her time in Colorado at the Johnson & Wales campus in Denver, Schlosser became a respected photographer in the area. She then entered the hotel industry before relocating back to Wallingford, where she worked for The Blake Hotel and PMC Property Group, according to the obituary.

“In 2023 her Aunts Cathie and Patti approached her and said, ‘If we open a Bistro, will you run it?’” the obituary reads. “Jena replied without hesitation, ‘The Bees Knees Bistro’ was born, and took Wallingford by storm. The most amazing staff continues to keep the hive alive and make Jena proud.”

Members of the Wallingford business community have posted several tributes to Schlosser on social media this week.

Napoli Pizza Restaurant wrote in a post on Facebook, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Jena’s passing. The Bees Knees Bistro put a light in the center of town felt by everyone. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Jena and The Bees Knees, sending our sincere condolences from the entire Napoli’s family.”

Dragonfly Wine & Spirits wrote, “There are no words that could ever accurately express how sad we are to hear of the passing of Jena Anne Schlosser, one of the owners of The Bees Knees Bistro. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.”

Glow Medical Aesthetics wrote in part, “Jena, you have been such an important part of Glow from the start. In a world that can feel so harsh, your encouragement, friendship, and neverending positivity and support has been a gift as we navigated our small business journeys.

“You were one of the real ones Jena, genuine and beautiful - inside and out - and so full of light. I can't imagine my days without your smile, your energy, and the warmth you brought to every room. Your glow touched so many of us and it will be deeply missed.”

Schlosser was also a member of The Sisters' Project, a charitable organization that was founded in 2010 by a “group of biological sisters and sisters through friendship” that is committed to raising funds in support of cancer patients and their families and focus its efforts on projects within the local community, according to its website.

Schlosser’s time with The Sisters’ Project was a “reflection of her desire to be connected and supportive to others in a meaningful way,” according to her obituary.

“She lived with a generous heart and her legacy will live on in the family she loved, the friendships she nurtured, and the work she created,” the obituary reads. “In her final act of generosity, Jena helped others live by being an organ donor.”

Calling hours will be held from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the Wallingford Funeral Home at 809 North Main St. Ext. in Wallingford.

“Jena lived in full color,” her family wrote in the obituary. “She found the beauty in ordinary days and made it impossible for the rest of us to miss it. With a camera in her hand and her heart wide open, she had a way of turning the smallest moments, a sunset, a meal, a long afternoon with the people she loved, into a special cherished memory. Jena will be remembered in the beauty of every sunset and snowstorm.”

Read the full obituary at Wallingford Funeral Home here.